Hobart Lawyer Challenging SSD And SSI Benefit Denials

“Why Was My Claim Denied?”

Your claim for benefits was denied because the system is designed to say no initially. Perhaps understandably, Social Security does not want to make benefits too easy to obtain. The system wants you to be discouraged and to go away.

The problem is, denial of claims has little effect on people who are gaming the system with frivolous claims. They know they have to keep applying. The people who are truly discouraged by claim denials are usually people like yourself who need benefits — decent, qualified applicants who think, “Oh, I must not be eligible,” and go away.

Reasons For Denial Of SSD And SSI Claims

A large percentage of first-time applications for SSD and SSI are turned down, usually for one of these reasons:

• Your income is too high (Substantial Gainful Activity/SGA): The SSA may believe you are still earning enough money to be considered working, which immediately disqualifies you for disability benefits, regardless of your medical condition.
• You have not paid enough into Social Security to qualify (SSDI): If you are applying for SSDI, the SSA requires you to have earned enough work credits within a specific period. If your earnings history is too short or too old, you will not meet the “insured status.”
• You are missing key medical records: The SSA requires proof that your condition is severe and has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months. 
• Your background information is not complete or consistent: Simple errors, missing signatures or inconsistencies in reporting your daily activities, work history or educational background can cause your application to be flagged and denied.
• Your condition is not severe enough: The SSA uses a very specific definition of “disability.” If your condition is not expected to prevent you from performing any gainful work for at least a year, the claim will be denied.

Understanding why the reviewer denied your claim is the first step that helps to correct the record and move your case toward approval.

Navigating The Next Steps After A Denial

When you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days to file an appeal. This deadline is strict . Missing it means starting over from the beginning, which can delay your benefits by months or even years.

The first level of appeal is called reconsideration. A different examiner reviews your case. You can submit new medical evidence and correct any errors from the initial application.

If reconsideration fails, the next step is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is often where cases turn around. The judge can ask questions, review your testimony and consider how your condition affects your daily life. Seeking our legal representation at this stage can make a significant difference in approval rates. 

Local Indiana Resources

Places such as NorthShore Health Centers, HealthLinc Community Clinic and county disability support services can sometimes provide secondary documentation or support. Although these local resources are helpful, they are not a substitute for a lawyer like ours who knows how to navigate the appeals system. 

Denied Benefits In Merrillville Or Valparaiso? Call SSD/SSI Attorney Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law.

It is important to understand that none of these reasons are final. , steps in at any stage in the application process and methodically fixes your application. We understand the process. We understand what kinds of information will meet Social Security’s requirements. We have the knowledge of the system and the persistence to work with you until you obtain the answer you need.

Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law, Claim Denial Attorney

As an SSD/SSI benefits lawyer serving disabled people of northwest Indiana, Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law is committed to giving qualified applicants the help they need to obtain the benefits to which they are entitled.

Whether you are just starting the application process, or have already had your initial claim denied, call Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law and describe your situation. We are not a disability benefits “mill” like some firms. We know what disability is like, and how frustrating this process is. If your chances are poor, we will tell you so. But we have helped many discouraged applicants to win the benefits they need.

Do you understand why your SSD claim was refused? Call Hobart denied SSI and SSDI benefits attorney Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law at 219-945-9766, toll free 888-393-2475. Or describe your situation using this online form.